CN1145856C

CN1145856C - Imaging device, processing box, method for indicating surplus developer and system thereof

Info

Publication number: CN1145856C
Application number: CNB001347357A
Authority: CN
Inventors: ��ɽ��Ҳ; 山本慎也; 绪方宽明
Original assignee: Canon Inc
Current assignee: Canon Inc
Priority date: 1999-10-15
Filing date: 2000-10-13
Publication date: 2004-04-14
Anticipated expiration: 2020-10-13
Also published as: EP1093031A2; KR100389084B1; JP2001117440A; US20040042804A1; US6587649B1; KR20010067327A; CN100397251C; JP4143236B2; EP1093031A3; EP1093031B1; CN1296199A; US7058320B2; CN1475872A; DE60042304D1; EP2952970B1; EP2088476A1; EP2952970A1

Abstract

An image forming apparatus includes a developer container for containing a developer; developer amount detecting means for detecting an amount of the developer contained in the developer container; memory; calculating means for calculating a display level of a remaining amount of the developer, wherein at least the developer container and the memory are in a unit which is detachably mountable to a main assembly of the image forming apparatus, wherein the memory stores information relating to a lifetime of the unit, and wherein the contemplating means calculates the display level in accordance with an amount detected by the developer amount detecting means and the information relating to the the lifetime.

Description

Imaging device, handle box, method for indicating surplus developer and system thereof

Technical field

The present invention relates to a kind of imaging device (such as duplicating machine or printer), be releasably attached to the handle box on such imaging device, a kind of display packing that shows surplus developer, a surplus developer display system, relate to a kind of imaging device that correctly shows surplus developer especially, handle box and an a kind of method for indicating surplus developer and a surplus developer display system that is releasably attached on such imaging device.

Background technology

Here, the example of electronic photographic image forming device comprises Xerox, electrostatic printer (laser printer or dismountable LED printer), facsimile recorder, word processor or the like.

Handle box integral body comprises an electronic photographic sensitive drum, charging unit, and developing parts or handle box with the form of unit or handle box, are releasably attached on the main body of imaging device.

So far, in the electronic photographic image forming device that uses electrofax imaging handle box, handle box detachably is installed on the main body of imaging device, in handle box, electrophotographic photosensitive member and the processing element that can act on the electrophotographic photosensitive member is arranged.In such handle box, the user does not need the attendant just can carry out maintenance of equipment, has therefore improved operability significantly, and for this reason, it is widely used in the imaging device.Therefore, this handle box is widely used in the electronic photographic image forming device field.

Utilize a kind of like this electronic photographic image forming device of handle box type, when developer uses up, need change the imaging of handle box ability, but must change handle box, therefore need provide a kind of developer level checkout equipment to notify the user to lack developer by the user.

For the information of surplus developer is provided, imaging device main body or handle box are provided with the surplus developer detection part, detect surplus developer.

The example of such surplus developer detection part is a static capacity detection type.The feeler that detects surplus developer is arranged in the developer supply case.AC voltage is applied on the electrode that is arranged on the precalculated position, on feeler, produces electric current according to the developer level of storing between electrode and the feeler.Surplus developer is that the variation according to electric current detects.

For example, a kind of plane feeler of static capacity detection type is well-known.As shown in Figure 3, the plane feeler comprises the pair of conductive pattern 22,23 on the substrate 21, leaves predetermined spacing therebetween.The plane feeler is arranged on the inner surface of developer supply case and contacts with developer, and for example along with the minimizing of developer in the developer supply case, the contact area between developer and the plane feeler 20 also reduces.

Along with the consumption of developer, contact area is changing between developer and the electric conductor pattern, and therefore, the static capacity between them also changes, and therefore, the static capacity of surplus developer in the container and plane feeler in correspondence with each other.By the static capacity of measurement plane feeler, just can know the surplus developer in the container.

Employed another kind of static capacity detection type detecting device is used for being called the developing apparatus of beating, wherein apply an AC bias voltage to developer roll, developer roll is arranged on the developer feeding parts in the development supply container, utilizes developer roll that the latent image on the photo-sensitive cell is developed.Detecting device is a dull and stereotyped feeler type, and it has a flat board that be arranged in parallel with developer roll (dull and stereotyped feeler).

It utilizes the static capacity variable quantity between them to detect according to the insulation developer level that exists between dull and stereotyped feeler and the developer roll.When there was developer in the space between dull and stereotyped feeler and developer roll, static capacity was just big, and along with the minimizing of developer, the air in the space increases, so static capacity also reduces.Therefore, utilize static capacity and the relation between the developer level between dull and stereotyped feeler and the developer roll can detect developer level.

By the developer feeding parts, just have the developer supply case of surplus developer detection part, can detect surplus developer substantially in real time, simultaneously, can know to finish how many imaging substantially in real time.

Another surplus developer detection part is a moment of torsion detection type, and wherein developer stirs and accompanies parts to be arranged in the developer supply case, and according to surplus developer, the variation that utilizes developer to stir companion's parts load detects surplus developer.

Recently, because the widely-used variation that causes working environment of PC, the number of times that the user the uses imaging device just number of copies of printing amount and time per unit is all increasing.Along with the development of this trend, the replacing frequency of handle box is also increasing, and therefore changes operation and has become a problem with the cost that needs.

As a strategy, prepare jumbo handle box, structure that let it be to the greatest extent is identical with handle box commonly used with size, and all can be used in the identical imaging device, but because the developer level in the developer supply case is big, so its rated life time is long.

Here, " rated life time " is that all visual print overs of supposition are standard (5%), formed the number of image by a handle box.

The user can according to circumstances selectively use handle box commonly used or jumbo handle box, and the cost and the workload that need to change handle box are reduced.

So, if exchange has the handle box of different developer levels in the developer supply case, can't realize the correct demonstration of the developer level in the developer supply case of handle box.

When showing surplus developer on the display of printer or on the display of PC, the information of demonstration wishes to be to understand easily.Hope shows surplus with column diagram or circular diagram or numeral, preferably shows with the number percent form.

Do the following problem that relates to like this:

For example, can use the rated life time is the high capacity handle box L that 5000 handle box S commonly used and rated life time is 10000, and this handle box of two types can be used for same imaging device.At this moment, in handle box S, toner only is loaded into half of overall height of plane feeler as shown in Figure 3, and in handle box L, toner is loaded into the top of plane feeler.

Before handle box S brings into use, wish that wherein initial surplus reveal competence is 100%, still, actual surplus reveal competence is 50%.This is because toner only is loaded into half of overall height of plane feeler.Owing to do not have used handle box to be shown as half, this makes the user obscure easily.

In addition, in some cases, have the handle box of comparing different rated capacities with the handle box of selling first, put on market possible evening.Consider this a kind of situation, the effect of surplus developer notice can be suitable for the unknown rated life time of handle box.

Therefore, parts can be notified the user correct surplus developer basically in real time at the handle box of first different rated life times.

By using such surplus developer detection part, the user can learn the surplus developer level in the developer supply case substantially in real time, and the time of notifying the user to change handle box is fast approaching.

The user lacks (can not imaging) at developer before, must prepare a new handle box.Therefore, the printable number of consideration is determined raising Time before can not printing.

If before can not printing, time limit or printable number depend on handle box and difference, and be also just non-constant to the time that the user prepares, and so just damaged its availability.

Therefore, although use the handle box of different rated life times, wishing provides suitable timing alarm to the operator.

Summary of the invention

Therefore, primary and foremost purpose of the present invention provides a kind of imaging device, a handle box that removably installs on the imaging device, a kind of method for indicating surplus, a kind of surplus display system and a kind of method for indicating surplus, wherein surplus developer can show in a kind of mode of easy understanding.

Another object of the present invention provides a kind of imaging device, a handle box that removably installs on the imaging device, a kind of method for indicating surplus, a kind of surplus display system and a kind of method for indicating surplus.

According to an aspect of the present invention, provide a kind of imaging device to comprise: a developer reservoir that is used to comprise developer; Detect the developer level detection part of the developer level in the described developer reservoir; Storer; Calculate the calculating unit of the reveal competence of surplus developer, wherein; At least described developer reservoir and described storer become a unit that is releasably attached on the described imaging device main body, the information that wherein said memory stores is relevant with the amount of the developer of the unused state that comprises in described developer reservoir, wherein said calculating unit according to by the relevant information of the detected developer level of described developer level detection part, and the information calculations relevant with the amount of the developer of the unused state that comprises in described developer reservoir goes out reveal competence.

According to another aspect of the present invention, provide a kind of imaging device, comprise a unit on the main body that is releasably attached to described imaging device, there is a storer described unit and the developer reservoir of developer is housed; Calculate the calculating unit of the reveal competence of surplus developer; The information that wherein said memory stores is relevant with the life-span of described unit, described calculating unit goes out reveal competence according to surplus developer in the described developer reservoir and the information calculations relevant with the life-span.

According to a further aspect in the invention, provide a kind of unit that is releasably attached on the imaging device, comprising: storer; A developer reservoir that is used to comprise developer; Wherein said storer comprises: first memory block that is used for storing the information relevant with the amount of the developer of the unused state that comprises at described developer reservoir; Be used to store and second memory block by the relevant information of the surplus of the detected developer of developer level detection part.

According to another aspect of the present invention, provide a kind of handle box, comprise storer; The developer reservoir that developer is housed; The information that wherein said memory stores is relevant with the life-span of described unit.

According to another aspect of the present invention, provide a kind of demonstration removably to install to the display packing of the surplus developer in the unit on the imaging device, comprising: detect the surplus developer in the described unit; According to detected surplus developer and the information calculations surplus developer development level relevant with the developer level of the unused state that in described unit, comprises; On display, show the reveal competence that calculates.

According to a further aspect in the invention, provide a kind of surplus developer developing apparatus, comprising: be releasably attached to the first module on the main body of an imaging device, wherein developer is seated in the described first module; Be releasably attached to the Unit second on the main body of described imaging device, wherein in described first module, the developer level of filling is greater than the developer level that is seated in the described first module, and wherein Unit second can be installed to and replace described first module on the main body of described imaging device; A display that shows surplus developer; Wherein when loading onto Unit second, the variable quantity of the variable quantity of the surplus reveal competence of the developer of per unit consumption on display when loading onto first module.

Description of drawings

Below with reference to accompanying drawing, describe the preferred embodiments of the present invention in detail, these and other purpose, feature and advantage of the present invention can be clearer.

Fig. 1 is an imaging device of one embodiment of the invention and the cut-open view of a handle box.

Fig. 2 is the amplification view of the handle box among Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 has illustrated set on the handle box of an one embodiment of the present of invention surplus developer pick-up unit.

Fig. 4 is a curve map that shows surplus developer and static capacity relation.

Fig. 5 has illustrated set on the handle box of an one embodiment of the present of invention reservoir part.

Fig. 6 has illustrated the processing element that is used to calculate the surplus developer level, is arranged on the memory unit in the handle box, and is arranged on the relation between the display unit on the imaging device main body.

Fig. 7 is a curve map that shows surplus developer and rated life time relation.

Fig. 8 is according to one embodiment of the present of invention, and the process flow diagram of the operation that shows the surplus developer level is described.

Fig. 9 is according to an alternative embodiment of the invention, and the process flow diagram of the operation that shows the surplus developer level is described.

Figure 10 is according to an alternative embodiment of the invention, and the process flow diagram of the operation that shows the surplus developer level is described.

Figure 11 is according to an alternative embodiment of the invention, and the process flow diagram of the operation that shows the surplus developer level is described.

Figure 12 is according to an alternative embodiment of the invention, and the process flow diagram of the operation that shows the surplus developer level is described.

Figure 13 is a cut-open view that has the developing parts of handle box of one embodiment of the invention.

Embodiment

With reference to accompanying drawing, describe imaging device and detachably be installed to handle box on the image device.

(embodiment 1)

With reference to accompanying drawing 1-3, according to one embodiment of present invention, describe one and the removably electrophotographic image-forming of installing process cartridge, AC electric current is housed on it.In this embodiment, electrophotographic image-forming is a kind of laser printer A of electrofax type, goes up at recording materials (such as recording chart, OHP paper, fabric or the like) by the electrofax imaging technique and forms image.

Laser printer A comprises the electrophotography photodetector of a cydariform, and just photosensitive drums 1.Photosensitive drums 1 is exposed with laser beam L then by the charging of the charging unit of charging roller 2 forms, laser beam L be modulated according to picture information and come from laser scanner 3, so on photosensitive drums 1, form latent image according to picture information.Developing parts 5 is shown as visible image toner image just to latent image.

Developing parts 5 is provided with a developer transmissioning part developer roll 5a and a developer chamber 5A, wherein pass through the rotation of developer replenishing parts 15, developer T the part of the developer feeding in the developer supply case 4 of contiguous developer feeding chamber 5A is sent on the developer roll 5a among the developer chamber 5A.In this embodiment, developer T is the single component toner of insulation.Here, developer roll 5a contains a photographic fixing magnet 5b, supplies with developer by rotating developer roll 5a, and developing blade 5c supplies with toner to static charge, forms the developer layer that one deck has predetermined thickness.Then this floor developer is sent to the development district of that floor that faces photosensitive drums 1.The developer in the district of supply with developing is transferred on the latent image on the photosensitive drums, thereby forms the toner image.Developer roll 5a is connected with the developing bias circuit, and offers developing bias voltage usually, and developing bias voltage is the DC voltage of the AC bias of irregular mode.

On the other hand, when the toner image formed, pick-up roller 8 and supply part 9A sent recording materials P to box 200 from paper and deliver to image conversion position between daytime.In this transfer position, a transfer member transfer roll 6 is provided, on transfer roll 6, apply voltage, thereby the toner image is transferred on the recording materials P from photosensitive drums 1.

The recording materials P that records the toner image of transfer printing at present delivers to fixing member 10 by supply part 9B.Fixing member 10 comprises a fixing roller 10b and driven roller 10c, and fixing roller contains the space among the having heaters 10a.Fixing member is applied to the recording materials P that passes through to heat and pressure, thus the visual photographic fixing of toner to recording materials P.

Supply part 9C delivers to recording materials P on the tray 14.Tray 14 be arranged on laser printer A device main body 100 above.

After the toner image conversion is to the recording materials P, cleaning member 7 cleaning photosensitive drums 1 make that remaining developer is removed on the photosensitive drums 1, thereby prepare next imaging procedures at transfer roll 6.Cleaning member 7 utilization is pressed the elasticity that contacts on the photosensitive drums 1 to clean scraper plate 7a and is scraped off developer remaining on the photosensitive drums 1, and the collection of developer under removing at developer stops 7b.

On the other hand, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 2, handle box B comprises that one has the developer supply case 4 of supply developer and the developing frame 11 of developer replenishing parts 15, a support comprises the developing parts framework 12 of the developing parts of developer roll 5a and developing blade 5c, and these frameworks and developing cell connect together and form an integral body.Developing cell links up with the cleaning framework 13 that has photosensitive drums 1, and cleaning member 7 (such as cleaning scraper plate 7a) and charging roller 2 form a handle box.

The handle box that the user detachably is installed to handle box B on the main body 100 that is arranged on imaging device assembles on the parts 101.

Imaging device can use two types handle box B, and wherein a kind of is to be 6000 (handle box B1) rated life time, and another kind is to be 10000 (handle box B2) rated life time.In this embodiment, " rated life time " is exactly to suppose that all visual print overs are standard (5%) is formed image by a handle box numbers.This handle box B1 of two types, the B2 shape is identical, and detachably is installed on the identical imaging device, unique different be the amount of inserting the developer in the developer feeding part 4.

Handle box B1, B2 is provided with developer level pick-up unit 30 (Fig. 6), pick-up unit comprises the detection part 20 that is used to detect surplus developer, and it can detect the surplus of the developer T in the developer supply case 4 basically in real time according to the consumption of developer.Handle box B1, B2 are provided with the reservoir part that is used to store the information relevant with the handle box life-span and the memory unit of storage surplus developer level, also are effective even handle box and another exchange the surplus developer level.In this embodiment, use identical memory unit 31 as the described memory unit in back.

As shown in Figure 6, imaging device is provided with the processing element 60 that calculates the surplus level of developer according to surplus developer detection part 20 testing results and the rated life time that is stored in the handle box in the memory unit 31, replaces being provided with the parts 25 that are used to show the surplus developer level that calculates.The display unit 25 that is arranged on the main body 100 of imaging device can be by showing on the display of the PC that links to each other with imaging device.Utilization simultaneously shows or independently, prints information on recording chart P, can be notified to the user like this.

Below in conjunction with accompanying drawing each relevant parts are described.

The surplus developer detection part:

In this embodiment, surplus developer pick-up unit 30 is static capacity type of detection that a use is arranged on the plane feeler 20 (flat-top feeler) on the handle box B.

Especially, in this embodiment, be provided with in the developer supply case 4 according to the stirring of direction of arrow rotation of Fig. 1 and accompany parts 15, stir companion's parts 15 according to rotation direction recited above, in loose developer T, can also be supplied to developer roll 5a to developer T effectively.In addition, as shown in Figure 3, the madial wall of developer supply case 4 is provided with surplus developer detection part plane feeler 20.

Plane feeler 20 comprises a printed circuit board (PCB) 21 and two conductive patterns (electrode) 22,23, and the electric conductor pattern forms by etching or printing.For the shape of holding circuit figure, on conductive pattern 22,23, add a cover the layer protecting film (not shown).Those skilled in the art can suitably determine the pattern of electric conductor, and in this embodiment, the width (W) of two conductive patterns 22,23 of plane feeler 20 is 300 microns, about 300 microns of the spacing of two conductive patterns 22,23.

Between electrode 22,23, apply 200Vpp at conductive pattern, the AC bias voltage of 2000Hz, if there is not developer to touch plane feeler 20, static capacity is 20pF, if developer touches the whole surface of plane feeler 20, static capacity is 60pF.

By repeating imaging procedures, the developer T in the developer supply case 4 reduces, and along with the minimizing of contact area between plane feeler 20 and the developer T, the static capacity between the conductive pattern 22,23 also reduces.By the static capacity that obtains, the amount of the developer T in the developer supply case 4 just can detect at any desired time point.

Yet, in fact,, still have a spot of developer to remain on the plane feeler 20 even the developer T in the developer supply case 4 reduces gradually, because this fact, measurement result has change.

In order to address this problem, a feeler cleaning member 15a to be set in the end of stirring companion's parts 15 to remove and remain in the lip-deep developer of feeler.Therefore clean the surface of plane feeler 20 by the rotation of stirring companion's parts 15.Feeler cleaning member 15a can be such as PET (polyethylene terephthalate) sheet, the surface of its friction plane feeler 20.

As shown in Figure 3, at the center of plane feeler 20, be formed with a hole 24, stir the back shaft through hole 24 of companion's parts 15, be supported on stirring on developer supply case 4 grades rotationally and accompany parts 15, so cleaning surfaces parts 15a almost can clean the All Ranges of plane feeler 20.

This can be avoided changing owing to remaining in the measurement that developer on the plane feeler 20 caused effectively, but owing to stirs the flow output change of periodic plane feeler 20 owing to stir the rotation of companion parts 15 that caused another of developer that the rotation of companion's parts 15 produces.

Therefore, the average output valve of getting a plane feeler according to the rotation period that stirs companion's parts 15.Perhaps get a minimum value (statistics) and determine the amount of developer.Signal Processing Element, just processing element 60 (Fig. 6) is placed in the main body 100 of image device.

Surplus developer detection part 20 by plane feeler type detects the maximum magnitude of developer variable quantity corresponding to such a case, developer contacts with the whole surface of plane feeler 20, and just developer is filled up to the height corresponding to the top of plane feeler.In this embodiment, the surplus developer in the developer supply case 4 can be higher than the top percentage amounts (100%) at this moment of feeler according to the developer level, detects the surplus developer number percent in the developer supply case 4.Consider the restriction, measuring error of measurement resolution etc., detect surplus developer and be approximately 1% reduction rate.

Among this embodiment, under developer was filled up to this situation of height corresponding to the top of plane feeler, the print over 5% can imaging 10000.Fig. 4 has illustrated when the maximum when surplus developer detection part 20 can detect developer level and is 100%, the relation between surplus developer and the static capacity.

Memory unit:

According to this embodiment, the information of the rated life time of relevant handle box B can write on (Fig. 1) in the memory unit 31, this memory unit 31 just was contained among the handle box B before the handle box delivery, even the handle box B1 of therefore different rated life times, B2 exchanges, still can correctly calculate the surplus developer level in the developer supply case 4, and can notify the user.By the surplus developer level value that calculates in the memory unit 31 is write handle box B (B1, B2) on, even like this when handle box exchanges, handle box still can be stored relative surplus developer level.

In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 5, handle box B is provided with a non-volatile storer 31 as memory unit, is provided with the cartridge side controller 32 of the read-write of an information that is used for controlling turnover nonvolatile memory 31.When handle box B was installed on the main body 100 of imaging device, the controller 33 of the main body of cartridge side controller 32 and imaging device (main body side controller 33) was by connection R/W, REQ, and DRY, CLC, DATA links to each other.The control assembly that passes in and out the read-write of the information in the nonvolatile memory 31 is made up of cartridge side controller 32 and main body side controller 33.

In this embodiment, memory unit 31 is non-volatile storeies.Yet this is optional, and the volatile memory that power supply is housed is operable, and perhaps non-contact type storer (ferroelectrics nonvolatile memory (FeRAM)) does not need mechanical connection just can to link together with the main body 100 of imaging device.

Writing from nonvolatile memory or during sense data, be set the suitable stand-by period according to the character of equipment, thus the operation of the equipment of assurance.

The nonvolatile memory 31 of Shi Yonging is a serial data output type storer in this embodiment, and memory span is 16.Be divided into 8 of 8 of first halfs and latter halfs to 16 during use.Therefore, different data can be stored in 8 zones.

The information relevant with the life-span writes in 8 zones of first half of nonvolatile memory 31.As previously discussed, in this embodiment, " rated life time " is exactly to suppose that all visual print overs are standard (5%), formed the number of image by a handle box.

In this embodiment, the quantity of recording paper can be hundred to be unit representation (is unit with 100), and it is unit that the rated life time can be arranged to 500.Therefore, the capacity that the first half of nonvolatile memory 31 is 8 is enough to store 5 multiple from 0-1000, just, from 500 to 100000 rated life times can be that recruitment is stored with 500.Store the big life-span if desired, maybe need to store the life-span of little recruitment, the capacity of nonvolatile memory can increase.

Because rated life time of high capacity handle box B2 is 10000, therefore, 8 storages 100 of the first half of nonvolatile memory 31 since the rated life time of normal process box B1 be 6000, so normal process box B1 storage 60.

In latter half of 8 zones of nonvolatile memory, store surplus developer level value and the information of relevant rated life time, the surplus developer level value is according to the detection output valve of plane feeler type surplus developer detection part 20, calculates by the method that describes below.The surplus developer that calculates is expressed as XX%.Therefore, write as XX.8 bit capacities are enough to represent the integer of 0-100.

In this embodiment, the level value of surplus developer and the information in relevant handle box life-span are recorded in the identical memory unit 31 in the handle box, therefore use circuit and parts usually, but this is not inevitable, and can use independent memory device.Owing to be used for being installed in handle box one side from the controller that the memory unit 31 that is arranged on the image device carries out write or read, therefore electric error, noise etc. can be eliminated.

The processing element of calculated level:

As shown in Figure 6, processing element 60 is used to calculate the surplus developer level, and it is arranged in the main body 100 of imaging device, comprises a controller 61, processing section 62 etc.

Controller 61 can the main body 100 of imaging device, surplus developer detection part 20, memory unit 31, processing section 62 and below carry out Communication Control effectively between the display unit 25 that will describe.Processing section 62 according to memory unit 31 in the relevant information and the surplus developer detection part 20 detected numerical value of rated life time of storage, calculate the surplus developer level.

The computing method of surplus developer level among this embodiment will be described below.

By the handle box B1 among above-described this embodiment, plane feeler type developer level detection part 20 among the B2, but maximum sensing range (=100%) according to developer level, detect surplus developer in the developer supply case 4 with the number percent form, maximum surplus developer is the print over initial 5%, developer level that can imaging on 10000 paper.

But the maximum sensing range of developer level can suitably determine according to structure of plane feeler type developer level detection part 20 or the like, but utilize the developer level corresponding to the maximum sensing range so, the quantity of the paper that the print over initial 5% thereon can imaging also correspondingly changes.

Usually, developer level and be a proportional relation (next formula) with the relation between the printable number of 5% print over (being the rated life time), as shown in Figure 7.

In order to distinguish and correctly show the level of surplus developer, the detection output valve of developer level detection part 20 is X (%) in the handle box, in the handle box be stored in memory unit 31 in relevant information of rated life time be Y, calculate the horizontal A of surplus developer (%) of handle box by following formula:

A(％)＝X(％)×10000/(Y×100)......(1)

In formula (1), " 10000 " but be to utilize corresponding to the developer level (100%) of the maximum sensing range print over from initial 5%, can form the number of image thereon, this number has been determined according to the structure of plane feeler type developer level detection part 20 etc.

The surplus developer level that calculates like this is recorded in the memory unit 31 on the handle box by controller 61.Simultaneously, with display unit 25 that controller 61 is connected in the result is shown to the user.Selectively, with calculate like this the relevant PC that signal is sent to imaging device links to each other of surplus developer level on, and may be displayed on the display of PC.As previously described, display unit 25 can show the information on the display that is arranged in the imaging device main body 100, and this information can be exported on recording materials P.

With reference to the process flow diagram of Fig. 8, the operating process of the imaging device of this embodiment is described.In order to understand the present invention better, the time in the time of will detecting the variation of surplus developer with developer pick-up unit 30 (just the surplus developer detection part 20) below is starting point, is described.

Step 101:

The surplus developer that plane feeler type surplus developer detection part 20 detects in the present developer supply case 4 is X%.

Step 102:

Will the information Y relevant be recorded in 8 of the first halfs of nonvolatile memory 31 (being arranged on the memory unit on the handle box) with the rated life time.

Step 103:

Utilize formula (2), calculate the horizontal A% of surplus developer.

A(％)＝X(％)×10000/(Y×100)........(2)

Step 104:

The horizontal A% of the surplus developer that calculates is recorded among latter half of 8 of nonvolatile memory 31 (being arranged on the memory unit on the handle box).

Step 105:

Display unit 25 or personal computer monitor demonstrate " surplus developer=A% ".

As long as surplus developer detection part 20 detects the variation of surplus developer, operation turns back to step 101, repeats above-described operation.

By repeating above-described operation, before handle box was brought into use, the toner of filling in the handle box only reached 60% of the whole height of plane feeler, and the surplus developer reveal competence of handle box B1 still is 100%, so the user can not obscure.Before handle box B2 used, its surplus reveal competence still was 100%.

If export identical image (consumption of toner is identical), the reduction of surplus reveal competence is less than the surplus reveal competence among the handle box B1 among the handle box B2 of big volume.

For example, install handle box B1, when the output valve of surplus detection part 20 is 60% (X=60), the surplus reveal competence is 100%, and when the output valve of surplus detection part 20 is 50% (X=50), the surplus reveal competence is 83% approximately.The reduction of surplus reveal competence is negative 17.

On the other hand, install handle box B2, when the output valve of surplus detection part 20 is 60% (X=60), the surplus reveal competence is 60%, and when the output valve of surplus detection part 20 is 50% (X=50), the surplus reveal competence is 50% approximately.The reduction of surplus reveal competence is negative 10.Under the identical situation of consumption, the reduction of the surplus reveal competence of the reduction of the surplus reveal competence during installing process cartridge B2 during less than installing process cartridge B1.

In other words, a developer of every consumption uses the variable quantity of the variable quantity of the surplus reveal competence on the handle box B2 display of big volume less than the handle box B1 that uses little volume.

As previously discussed, according to the memory unit 31 that is stored in handle box in relevant information of rated life time, by the developer level in the surplus developer detection part 20 detected developer supply cases 4, be calculated to be correct surplus developer level at the handle box of different rated life times.Notify the user surplus developer level that calculates so then, and be stored in the memory unit 31 on the handle box.Like this, even when handle box exchanges, the surplus developer level of this handle box is stored.

In this embodiment, processing element 60 just, by the output valve of statistical treatment surplus developer detection part 20, is determined the Signal Processing Element of surplus developer, is arranged in the main body 100 of imaging device, and it can be arranged among the handle box B.

In this embodiment, the static capacity detection type that uses plane feeler type is as surplus developer detection part 20, but the invention is not restricted to that this is a kind of, and another kind of surplus developer detection part also can use.For example, also be a kind of dull and stereotyped feeler type of static capacity detection type, moment of torsion detection types etc. if it can detect surplus developer, just can use.

(embodiment 2)

According to this embodiment, rated life time before using will be described below be 12000 handle box B3.In this embodiment, " rated life time " is exactly to suppose that all visual print overs are standard (5%) is formed image by a handle box numbers.

Handle box B3 is similar with handle box B2 to the handle box B1 described in the embodiment 1, and the developer level difference of filling in developer supply case 4, they have identical structure, and are releasably attached on the same body 100 of imaging device.Provide a developer level pick-up unit 30, pick-up unit 30 is provided with the surplus developer detection part 20 that can detect surplus along with the consumption of the developer T in the developer supply case 4 substantially in real time.Also provide a memory unit and a memory unit that is used to store the surplus developer level that is used to store the information relevant with the rated life time of handle box.In this embodiment, similar to embodiment 1, memory unit is identical with memory unit 31.

Identical among imaging device and the embodiment 1, be provided with according to the testing result of surplus developer detection part 20 be stored in memory unit 31 in relevant information of rated life time of handle box calculate the processing element 60 of surplus developer level, be provided with the parts 25 that are used to show the surplus developer level.On the PC that the surplus developer level can output to imaging device links to each other, and may be displayed on the display of PC.

Surplus developer detection part 20 has the structure identical with embodiment 1.Therefore, but the maximum sensing range of the developer variable quantity of surplus developer detection part 20 corresponding to the developer level on the whole surface that touches plane feeler 20.In embodiment 2, but when developer level was in the maximum sensing range of surplus developer detection part 20, the print over 5% can imaging on 10000 paper.

Therefore similar among memory unit 31 and the processing element 60 of calculating the surplus developer level and the embodiment 1, do not elaborate at this.

The following describes the computing method of surplus developer level among this embodiment.

In this embodiment, in handle box and plane feeler type developer level detection part 20, but the developer level during according to the maximum sensing range equals 100%, detect the number percent of surplus developer, maximum surplus developer is can be from the developer level of initial print over 5% imaging on 10000 paper.

Therefore, in the rated life time was 12000 handle box B3, it is big that the developer level in the developer supply case 4 can detect surplus developer than the maximum of detection part 20.Because developer level is greater than the detected surplus variation range of developer level detection part 20, so if with 5% print over imaging, from 12000 to 10000, the developer level that developer level detection part 20 keeps detecting is 100%.

In this embodiment, but greater than the developer level of the sensing range of developer level detection part 20 in developer supply case 4, notify the user 100% surplus developer level, and be stored in the memory unit 31 on the handle box.

But for the developer level within the surplus developer sensing range of developer level detection part 20, similar to embodiment 1, the information relevant with rated life time in being stored in memory unit 31 is Y, the detection dosage output detected value of developer level detection part 20 is X (%), calculates the horizontal A of surplus developer (%) of handle box by following formula:

A(％)＝X(％)×10000/(Y×100)......(3)

Owing to imaging consumes developer, but surplus developer within sensing range, reduce, for example, when the detection output valve of developer level detection part was 99%, the surplus developer level of handle box became as follows by formula (3):

A(％)＝99×/(120×100)＝83％

In formula (3), " 10000 " but be to utilize corresponding to the developer level (100%) of the maximum sensing range print over from initial 5%, can form the number of image thereon, this number has been determined according to the structure of plane feeler type developer level detection part 20 etc.

The surplus developer level that calculates like this is recorded in the memory unit 31 on the handle box by controller 61.Simultaneously, with display unit 25 that controller 61 is connected in the result is shown to the user.Selectively, with calculate like this the relevant PC that signal is sent to imaging device links to each other of surplus developer level on, and may be displayed on the display of PC.

With reference to the process flow diagram of Fig. 9, the operating process of the imaging device of this embodiment is described.

Step 110:

The memory unit from handle box, be specifically 8 of the first halfs of nonvolatile memory 31 read be installed to imaging device on the relevant information Y of rated life time of handle box.

Step 111:

Processing element 62 is distinguished the information Y that read whether greater than the printable quantity of image from memory unit 31, rated life time 10000 just, determine that with plane feeler type developer level detection part 20 but the maximum developer level of sensing ranges is 100% according to the structure of the handle box of this embodiment etc., at this moment the quantity of printing from original 5% print over is the printable quantity of image.If (be) like this, operation proceeds to A, if not, B is got back in operation.

If greater than (being):

Step 112:

Whether differentiation is 100 by the surplus developer that plane feeler type surplus developer detection part 20 detects.If like this, C is got back in operation.If not (99% or lower), B is got back in operation.If 100% (being), C is got back in operation.

Step 113:

Surplus developer level 100% is recorded among latter half of 8 of memory unit on the handle box, just in the nonvolatile memory 31.

Step 114:

The display of PC and display unit show surplus developer=100%.

Operation turns back to step 112, distinguishes whether the surplus developer that is detected by plane feeler type surplus developer detection part 20 is 100.If less than 100, B is got back in operation.

Step 101-105 subsequently is identical with step 101-105 among the embodiment 1, has omitted the description to it here.

As previously discussed, according to the memory unit 31 that is stored in handle box in relevant information of rated life time, the correct surplus developer level that is calculated to be by the developer level in the surplus developer detection part 20 detected developer supply cases 4 at the handle box of different rated life times.Notify the user surplus developer level that calculates so then, and be stored in the memory unit 31 on the handle box.Like this, even when handle box exchanges, the surplus developer level of this handle box can be stored.

In this embodiment, processing element 60 just, by the output valve of statistical treatment surplus developer detection part 20, is determined the Signal Processing Element of surplus developer, be arranged in the main body 100 of imaging device, it can set handling box B in.

In this embodiment, the static capacity detection type that uses plane feeler type is as surplus developer detection part 20, but the invention is not restricted to that this is a kind of, and another kind of surplus developer detection part also can use, and is similar to embodiment 1.

(embodiment 3)

In this embodiment, the developer level of filling is recorded in the memory unit 31 on the handle box, as the information relevant with the handle box life-span.

Developer supply case 4 is filled with developer, is used to satisfy the rated life time.The developer level of rated life time described in the embodiment 1 and the filling described in this embodiment is to become one to one relation mutually.

Available handle box B is 6000 the rated life time and comprises the common process box B1 of 600g developer among this embodiment, and the rated life time is 10000 and comprises the high capacity handle box B2 of 1000g developer.In this embodiment, " rated life time " is exactly to suppose that all visual print overs are standard (5%) is formed image thereon by a handle box numbers.The developer level difference that handle box is filled in developer supply case 4, they have identical structure, and are releasably attached on the same body 100 of imaging device.

Similar to embodiment 1, handle box B is provided with a developer level pick-up unit 30, and pick-up unit 30 is provided with the surplus developer detection part 20 that can detect surplus along with the consumption of the developer T in the developer supply case 4 substantially in real time.In addition, also provide a memory unit (information relevant) and a memory unit that is used to store the surplus developer level that is used for storing the relevant information of the developer level that loads with handle box with the handle box life-span.In this embodiment, similar to embodiment 1, memory unit is identical with memory unit 31.

Similar among imaging device and the embodiment 1, be provided with according to the testing result of surplus developer detection part 20 be stored in memory unit 31 in handle box in the relevant information of the developer level that loads calculate the processing element 60 of surplus developer level, be provided with the parts 25 that are used to show the surplus developer level that calculates.On the PC that the surplus developer level can output to imaging device links to each other, and may be displayed on the display of PC.

Do not elaborate at this to parts similar among the embodiment 1.In this embodiment, the developer weight record that loads in the handle box is in 8 zones of first half of nonvolatile memory 31 that are memory unit.

In this embodiment, the developer weight of loading in the handle box is unit representation with 10g, and it is unit that developer weight is arranged to 50g.Therefore 8 of the first halfs of nonvolatile memory 31 are enough stored the multiple of 5 within the 0-1000 scope, and developer weight can be from 50g to 10000g be that recruitment is stored with 50.In order to store heavier developer or the weight recruitment is little, the capacity of nonvolatile memory can increase.

Similar to Example 1, in this embodiment, in handle box and plane feeler type developer level detection part 20, but the developer level during according to the maximum sensing range equals 100%, detect the number percent of the surplus developer in the developer supply case 4, utilize maximum surplus developer, can be from initial print over 5% imaging on 10000 paper, developer weight is 1000g.

In handle box, have with memory unit 31 in the relevant information Z of developer charge weitght of storage, when the detection output valve of the detection part 20 that is used to detect developer level is X (%), utilize following formula to calculate the surplus developer A (%) of handle box:

A(％)＝X(％)×1000/(Z×10)......(4)

In formula (4), " 1000 " but be and the corresponding developer weight of developer level (100%) that it has been determined according to the structure of plane feeler type developer level detection part 20 etc. corresponding to the maximum sensing range.

The surplus developer level that calculates, the controller 61 by processing element 60 are recorded in the memory unit 31 on the handle box.Simultaneously, with display unit 25 that controller 61 is connected in the result is shown to the user.Selectively, with calculate like this the relevant PC that signal is sent to imaging device links to each other of surplus developer level on, and may be displayed on the display of PC.

As mentioned above, utilize in the surplus developer detection part 20 detected developer supply cases 4 developer level with handle box on memory unit 31 in the relevant information of developer charge weitght of storage, calculate the correct surplus developer level of handle box with different developer charge weitghts.Notify the user the correct surplus developer level that calculates then, and be stored in the memory unit 31 on the handle box.Like this, even handle box exchanges, the surplus developer level is stored in the handle box.

In this embodiment, the static capacity detection type detecting device that uses plane feeler type is as surplus developer detection part 20, but the invention is not restricted to that this is a kind of, also can use another kind of surplus developer detection part.

(embodiment 4)

In this embodiment, the detection output valve of plane feeler type surplus developer detection part 20 is stored in the memory unit 31 on the handle box.Do not elaborate in order to be reduced at this to parts similar among the embodiment 1.

Similar among the handle box B of this embodiment and the embodiment 1, handle box B can be to be 6000 common process box B1 the rated life time, and the rated life time is 10000 high capacity handle box B2.The developer level difference that this handle box is filled in developer supply case 4, they have identical structure, and are releasably attached on the same body 100 of imaging device.

Handle box B1 and B2 are provided with a developer level pick-up unit 30, and pick-up unit 30 is provided with the surplus developer detection part 20 that can detect surplus along with the consumption of the developer T in the developer supply case 4 substantially in real time.In addition, also provide the memory unit that a memory unit that is used to store the information relevant with the life-span of handle box and are used to store the testing result of surplus developer detection part.In this embodiment, similar to embodiment 1, memory unit is identical with memory unit 31.

Imaging device is provided with a processing element 60, testing result according to surplus developer detection part 20 is calculated the surplus developer level with the relevant information of the life-span with handle box in being stored in memory unit 31, also is provided with parts 25 that show the surplus developer level.On the PC that the surplus developer level can output to imaging device links to each other, may be displayed on the display of PC.

But according to the maximum developer level in the sensing range is 100%, and surplus developer detection part 20 detects the number percent of the surplus developer in the developer supply case 4.Consider restriction, measuring error of measurement resolution etc., can detect to be approximately the surplus developer of 1% reduction rate.

Nonvolatile memory 31 is the memory units described in the embodiment 1, in latter half of 8 zones of nonvolatile memory, records surplus developer, and this margin value is the detection output valve of plane feeler type surplus developer detection part 20.As mentioned above, detected surplus developer is expressed as XX%.Therefore, write as XX.8 bit capacities are enough to represent the integer of 0-100.

For handle box and the demonstration surplus developer level of distinguishing the different rated life times, with handle box on memory unit 31 in the relevant information of rated life time of storage when being Y, when the detection output valve of the detection part 20 of the developer level on handle box is X (%), utilize following formula to calculate the surplus developer A (%) of handle box:

A(％)＝X(％)×1000?0/(Y×100)......(5)

In formula (5), " 10000 " but be to utilize corresponding to the developer level (100%) of the maximum sensing range print over from initial 5%, can form the number of image thereon, this number has been determined according to the structure of plane feeler type developer level detection part 20 etc.

The surplus developer level that calculates, with display unit 25 that the controller 61 of processing element 60 is connected on the result is shown to the user.Selectively, with calculate like this the relevant PC that signal is sent to imaging device links to each other of surplus developer level on, and may be displayed on the display of PC.

With reference to the process flow diagram of Figure 10, the operating process of the imaging device of this embodiment is described.

In order to understand the present invention better, the time in the time of will detecting the variation of surplus developer with developer pick-up unit 30 (just the surplus developer detection part 20) below is starting point, is described.

Step 121:

Step 122:

Surplus developer detection part 20 detected surplus developers (X%) are recorded among latter half of 8 of nonvolatile memory 31, nonvolatile memory is arranged on the memory unit on the handle box.

Step 123:

Read the surplus developer X that writes down in the memory unit on the handle box, just latter half of 8 of nonvolatile memory 31.

Step 124:

Read the information Y relevant with the rated life time of record in 8 of the first halfs in the nonvolatile memory 31, nonvolatile memory 31 is the memory unit on the handle box just.

Step 125:

Utilize formula (6), calculate the horizontal A% of surplus developer.

A(％)＝X(％)×10000/(Y×100)........(6)

Step 126:

As long as surplus developer detection part 20 detects the variation of surplus developer, operation turns back to step 121, repeats above-described operation.

As mentioned above, by the developer level in the surplus developer detection part 20 detected developer supply cases 4, substantially in real time be recorded in the memory unit 31 on the handle box, and according to the developer level of record with the relevant information of rated life time of storage in advance, calculate the correct surplus developer level of different handle boxes.The surplus developer level that calculates is notified the user.

By writing down substantially in real time by the developer level in the 20 detected developer supply cases 4 of the surplus developer detection part in the memory unit on the handle box 31, therefore, developer level in the developer supply case 4 is stored in the handle box, even handle box exchanges, surplus developer level that also can the display process box.

In this embodiment, the static capacity detection type detecting device that uses plane feeler type is as surplus developer detection part 20, but the invention is not restricted to that this is a kind of, also can use another kind of surplus developer detection part, and is similar to embodiment 1.

(embodiment 5)

In this embodiment, the structure of imaging device and handle box identical with described in the embodiment 1 do not elaborate in order to simplify at this.

Similar among the handle box B of this embodiment and the embodiment 1, handle box B can be to be 6000 common process box B1 the rated life time, and the rated life time is 10000 high capacity handle box B2.In this embodiment, " rated life time " is exactly to suppose that all visual print overs are standard (5%) is formed image by a handle box numbers.The developer level difference that this handle box is filled in developer supply case 4, they have identical structure, and are releasably attached on the same body 100 of imaging device.

Handle box B1, B2 are provided with developer level pick-up unit 30, and this pick-up unit is provided with the surplus developer detection part 20 that detects surplus developer according to the consumption of the developer T in the developer supply case 4 in real time.Like this, the surplus developer level in the developer supply case 4 just can be notified basically in real time, when surplus developer reduces, just produces alarm (alarm that toner is low), at this moment just near the time of replacing handle box.A life-span memory unit and a memory unit that is used to store the surplus developer level for information about that is used to store with handle box also is provided.In this embodiment, similar to embodiment 1, memory unit is identical with memory unit 31.

In this embodiment, imaging device be provided with according to the testing result of surplus developer detection part 20 be stored in memory unit 31 separately in relevant information of rated life time of handle box calculate the processing element 60 of surplus developer level, imaging device also is provided with according to detected developer level to distinguish whether produce the low alarm components of toner, also is provided with the parts 25 that are used to show the surplus developer level that calculates.On the PC that the surplus developer level can output to imaging device links to each other, and may be displayed on the display of PC.

Below parts are described.

The surplus developer detection part:

Similar to embodiment, surplus developer pick-up unit 30 is arranged in the handle box, is static capacity detection type parts (surplus developer detection part 20) that have the plane feeler.Therefore identical among surplus developer detection part 20 and the embodiment 1 do not elaborate at this.

Therefore, in this embodiment, but the maximum sensing range of the developer variable quantity of surplus developer detection part 20 is also corresponding to the developer level on the whole surface that touches plane feeler 20.But according to the maximum developer level in the sensing range is 100%, and surplus developer detection part 20 can detect the number percent of the surplus developer in the developer supply case 4.Considering the restriction, measuring error of the resolving power of measurement etc., can be that unit detects surplus developer to be approximately 1% reduction rate.

In this embodiment, but surplus developer detection part 20 in sensing range corresponding to used developer level that can imaging on 10000 paper with 5% print over.

Memory unit:

In this embodiment, similar to embodiment 1, before the handle box delivery, the information of the rated life time of relevant handle box just writes in the memory unit 31 that is installed on the handle box B, therefore, even the handle box of different rated life times exchanges, still can correctly notify the level of the surplus developer in user's developer supply case 4, in addition, by the surplus developer level value being recorded in the memory unit 31 that is contained on the handle box B, even when handle box exchanged and use, the surplus developer level of handle box stored like this.

In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 5, handle box B is provided with a non-volatile storer 31 as memory unit, is provided with the cartridge side controller 32 of the read-write of an information that is used to control turnover nonvolatile memory 31.When handle box B was installed on the main body 100 of imaging device, the controller 33 of the main body of cartridge side controller 32 and imaging device (main body side controller 33) was by connection R/W, REQ, and DRY, CLC, DATA links to each other.The control assembly of the read-write of the information of influence turnover nonvolatile memory 31 is made of cartridge side controller 32 and main body side controller 33.

In this embodiment, memory unit 31 is non-volatile storeies.Yet, this not must, the operable volatile memory that power supply is housed, perhaps non-contact type storer (ferroelectrics nonvolatile memory (FeRAM)) does not need mechanical connection just can to link together with the main body 100 of imaging device.

Write or during in data, be set the suitable stand-by period according to the character of equipment from nonvolatile memory 31 (memory unit) sense data, thus the operation of the equipment of assurance.

In this embodiment, the quantity of recording paper can be hundred to be unit representation, and it is unit that the rated life time can be arranged to 500.Therefore, the capacity that the first half of nonvolatile memory 31 is 8 is enough to store 5 multiple from 0-1000, just, from 500 to 100000 rated life times can be that recruitment is stored with 500.Store the big life-span if desired, maybe need to store the life-span of little recruitment, the capacity of nonvolatile memory can increase.Because rated life time of high capacity handle box B2 is 10000, therefore, 8 storages 100 of the first half of nonvolatile memory 31 since the rated life time of normal process box B1 be 6000, so normal process box B1 storage 60.

Processing element 60 includes the processing element that is used to calculate the surplus developer level, is used to distinguish the parts that whether produce the low alarm of toner.The parts that are used for calculating the processing element of surplus developer level and are used to distinguish alarm are arranged on the main body 100 of image device, and as shown in Figure 6, it includes a controller 61 and a processing section 62.

Controller 61 is connected with main body 100, surplus developer detection part 20, memory unit 31, processing section 62 and the following display unit that will describe 25 etc. of image device, controls them simultaneously.Processing element 60 according to memory unit 31 in the relevant information and the surplus developer detection part 20 detected developer levels of rated life time of storage, calculate the surplus developer level.Simultaneously, also distinguish whether produce low toner alarm.

Surplus developer level and the computing method of low time of alarming of generation toner among this embodiment will be described below.

In handle box in this embodiment and the plane feeler type developer level detection part 20, but maximum sensing range (=100%) according to developer level, detect surplus developer with the number percent form, maximum surplus developer is the print over from initial 5%, can imaging on 10000 paper.

But the maximum developer level within sensing range is suitably to determine according to the structure of handle box etc. and plane feeler type developer level detection part 20.But but the maximum developer level in the correspondence sensing range is also made corresponding change with the paper number of original 5% print over imaging.

In this embodiment, but the sensing range of surplus developer detection part 20 was 100%, and the maximum according to developer within this scope produced the low alarm (X=5) of toner at 5% o'clock.Utilize 5% surplus developer enough from print over imaging on 500 paper of initial 5%, therefore given user's time enough before changing handle box, this time is corresponding to the time of imaging in the handle box that 500 capacity are arranged individual.

For differentiation has the handle box of different rated life times and shows the surplus developer level, the detection output valve that is contained in the developer level detection part 20 on the handle box is X (%), the information relevant with the rated life time that is stored in the memory unit 31 of handle box is Y, calculates the horizontal A of surplus developer (%) of handle box by following formula:

A(％)＝X(％)×10000/(Y×100)......(7)

In formula (7), " 10000 " but be to utilize corresponding to the developer level (100%) of maximum sensing range with initial 5% print over, can form the number of image, this number has been determined according to the structure of plane feeler type developer level detection part 20 etc.

In this embodiment, for the rated life time be the high capacity handle box B2 that 6000 handle box B1 commonly used and rated life time is 10000, the low alarm of toner produces when X=5.Then, the surplus reveal competence is when the low alarm of toner produces:

For handle box B1 commonly used:

8％＝5％×10000/(6×100)：

For high capacity handle box B2:

5％＝5％×10000/(10×100)：

Like this, even the handle box of different rated life times is used for identical imaging device, also can produce the low alarm of the toner of notifying user's surplus developer deficiency simultaneously, the prompting user changes handle box, just, produce box simultaneously and change prompting, tell the time of user's replacing.

The surplus developer level that calculates is recorded in the memory unit 31 that is contained on the handle box by controller 61.Simultaneously, with display unit 25 that controller 61 is connected in the result is shown to the user.Selectively, with calculate like this the relevant PC that signal outputs to imaging device links to each other of surplus developer level on, and may be displayed on the display of PC.

Be equally applicable to the low alarm of toner, with display unit 25 that controller 61 is connected in the result notification user.Selectively, on the PC that the result outputs to imaging device links to each other, and may be displayed on the display of PC.

With reference to the process flow diagram of Figure 11, the operating process of the imaging device of this embodiment is described.In order to understand the present invention better, the time in the time of will detecting the variation of surplus developer with developer pick-up unit 30 (just the surplus developer detection part 20) below is starting point, is described.

Step 131:

Step 132:

Distinguish surplus developer X% by processing element 60 and whether be equal to or less than 5%.If YES is got back in operation, if not, NO is got back in operation.

Under the situation of NO:

Step 133

If distinguishing the result in step 132 is NO, read with 8 of first halfs that is recorded in nonvolatile memory 31 in the relevant information of rated life time Y, nonvolatile memory is arranged on the memory unit on the handle box.

Step 134:

Utilize following formula (8), calculate the horizontal A% of surplus developer by processing element 60:

A(％)＝X(％)×10000/(Y×100)........(8)

Step 135:

Step 136:

As long as surplus developer detection part 20 detects the variation of surplus developer, operation turns back to step 131, repeats above-described operation.

Under the situation of YES:

Step 137

Step 138:

Utilize following formula (9), calculate the horizontal A% of surplus developer by processing element 60:

A(％)＝X(％)×10000/(Y×100)........(9)

Step 139:

Step 140:

Step 141:

Demonstrate the low alarm of toner at display unit 25 or personal computer monitor.

As long as surplus developer detection part 20 detects the variation of surplus developer, operation turns back to step 131, repeats above-described operation.Therefore, be less than at 5% o'clock at surplus developer and produce the low alarm of toner together.

As mentioned above, according to be stored in the memory unit 31 that is contained on the handle box in relevant information of rated life time, calculate by the developer level in the surplus developer detection part 20 detected developer supply cases 4, its correct surplus developer level as each handle box with different rated life times, therefore, produce alarm in due course for each handle box.The alarm notification user who produces.Notify the user surplus developer level that calculates, and be stored in the memory unit 31 that is arranged on the handle box.Like this, even the exchange handle box, the surplus developer level of handle box can be stored.

The low alarm of toner can produce under different Limiting Levels, in this case, can use above-described method.

In this embodiment, the static capacity detection type that uses plane feeler type is as surplus developer detection part 20, but the invention is not restricted to that this is a kind of, and another kind of surplus developer detection part also can use, and is similar to embodiment 1.For example, also have a kind of dull and stereotyped feeler type of static capacity detection type, moment of torsion detection type etc. if it can detect surplus developer, just can use.

(embodiment 6)

In this embodiment, the developer level of filling developer supply case has been recorded in the memory unit 31 that is arranged on the handle box B.The parts identical with embodiment 1 or embodiment 5 are not just described at this.

Developer supply case 4 is filled with the developer level that satisfies the rated life time.Rated life time described in the embodiment 5 becomes one to one relation mutually with the developer level of the filling described in this embodiment.

The handle box B of this embodiment can be to be 6000 the rated life time and to comprise the common process box B1 of 600g developer, and the rated life time is 10000 and contains the high capacity handle box B2 of 1000g developer.The developer level difference that this handle box is filled in developer supply case 4, they have identical structure, and are releasably attached on the same body 100 of imaging device.

Similar to embodiment 1, handle box B is provided with developer level pick-up unit 30, and pick-up unit is provided with the surplus developer detection part 20 that detects surplus developer according to the consumption of the developer T in the developer supply case 4 in real time.A developer level memory unit and a memory unit that is used to store the surplus developer level for information about that is used for storing and being seated in each handle box also is provided.In this embodiment, similar with embodiment 5 to embodiment 1, memory unit is identical with memory unit 31.

Similar to embodiment 1 with embodiment 5, imaging device be provided with according to the testing result of surplus developer detection part 20 be stored in memory unit 31 in the relevant information of the developer level that handle box loaded, calculate the parts of surplus developer level, imaging device also is provided with according to the detected developer level of detection part and distinguishes the parts that whether produce the low alarm of toner, also is provided with the parts that are used to show the surplus developer level that calculates.

In 8 zones of first half of nonvolatile memory 31, record the developer weight of filling.

In this embodiment, the developer weight of filling is that unit represents with 10g, and it is unit that developer weight is arranged to 50g.Therefore 8 of the first halfs of nonvolatile memory 31 are enough stored the multiple of 5 within the 0-1000 scope, and just, the rated life time from 50g to 10000g can be the recruitment storage with 50.In order to store the weight of heavier developer or less increment, the capacity of nonvolatile memory can increase.

Similar to embodiment 1, in the handle box and plane feeler type developer level detection part 20 of this embodiment, but the developer level during according to the maximum sensing range equals 100%, detect the number percent of the surplus developer in the developer supply case 4, utilize maximum surplus developer, can be with initial print over 5% imaging on 10000 paper, developer weight is 1000g.

In handle box, have with memory unit 31 in the storage the relevant information Z of developer charge weitght, when the detection output valve of the detection part 20 that is used to detect developer level is X (%), utilize following formula (10) to calculate the horizontal A of surplus developer (%) of handle box:

A(％)＝X(％)×1000/(Z×10)......(10)

In formula (10), " 1000 " but be and the corresponding developer weight of developer level 100% (weight is 1000g) that it has been determined according to the structure of plane feeler type developer level detection part 20 etc. corresponding to the maximum sensing range.

Be 6000 and contain the handle box B1 commonly used of 600g developer and the rated life time is 10000 and contains the high capacity handle box B2 of 1000g developer for the rated life time, use following formula (10) to calculate the low alarm of toner:

For handle box B1 commonly used:

8％＝5％×1000/(60×10)：

For high capacity handle box B2:

5％＝5(％)×1000/(100×10)：

In these surplus developer levels, can produce alarm.

Like this,, also can produce the low alarm of the toner of notifying user's surplus developer deficiency simultaneously, point out the user to change handle box simultaneously, just, tell the user to change the time of handle box even the handle box of different rated life times is used for identical imaging device.

The surplus developer level that calculates is recorded in the memory unit 31 that is contained on the handle box by controller 61.Simultaneously, with display unit 25 that controller 61 is connected in the result is shown to the user.Selectively, with calculate like this the relevant PC that signal is sent to imaging device links to each other of surplus developer level on, and may be displayed on the display of PC.

As mentioned above, according to be stored in the memory unit 31 that is contained on the handle box in relevant information of rated life time, calculate by the developer level in the surplus developer detection part 20 detected developer supply cases 4, its correct surplus developer level as each handle box with different rated life times, therefore, produce alarm in due course for each handle box.The alarm notification user who produces.Notify the user surplus developer level that calculates, and be stored in the memory unit 31 that is arranged on the handle box.Like this, even the exchange handle box, the surplus developer level of handle box is stored.

The low alarm of toner can produce under different threshold levels, in this case, can use above-described method.

In this embodiment, processing element 60 just, by the output signal of statistical treatment surplus developer detection part 20, is determined the Signal Processing Element of surplus developer, be arranged in the main body 100 of imaging device, it can set handling box B in.

(embodiment 7)

In this embodiment, the surplus developer that should produce the low alarm of toner is recorded in the memory unit 31 that is arranged on the handle box B.The part identical with embodiment 5 do not elaborate in order to be reduced at this.

The handle box B of this embodiment is similar to the explanation among the embodiment 5, can be to be 6000 common process box B1 the rated life time, and the rated life time is 10000 high capacity handle box B2.The developer level difference that this handle box is filled in developer supply case 4, they have identical structure, and are releasably attached on the same body 100 of imaging device.

Handle box B1, B2 are provided with developer level pick-up unit 30, and pick-up unit is provided with the surplus developer detection part 20 that detects surplus developer according to the consumption of the developer T in the developer supply case 4 in real time.

A memory unit that is used to store the information relevant with the life-span of single handle box also is provided, the memory unit of developer level when being used for the stores processor box and should producing the low alarm of toner with a memory unit that is used to store surplus developer detection part testing result and one.In this embodiment, similar with embodiment to embodiment 1, identical memory unit 31 is used to store them.

Imaging device be provided with according to the testing result of surplus developer detection part 20 be stored in memory unit 31 in the relevant information of rated life time of handle box, calculate the processing element 60 of surplus developer level, imaging device also is provided with according to the surplus developer level that calculates and distinguishes the parts that whether produce the low alarm of toner, also is provided with the parts that are used to show the surplus developer level that calculates.In this embodiment, processing element comprises the parts that are used for distinguishing the parts that whether produce the low alarm of toner and calculate the surplus developer level.

Similar to embodiment 5, for the handle box of distinguishing the different rated life times and show correct surplus developer level, the information relevant with the rated life time in being stored in memory unit 31 is Y, in such handle box, the detection output valve of developer level detection part 20 is X (%), utilizes following formula to calculate the surplus developer A (%) of handle box:

A(％)＝X(％)×10000/(Y×100)......(11)

In formula (11), " 10000 " but be to utilize corresponding to the developer level (100%) of the maximum sensing range print over from initial 5%, can form the number of image, this number has been determined according to the structure of plane feeler type developer level detection part 20 etc.

In this embodiment, by the memory capacity of the memory unit 31 described in the increase embodiment 5, be stored in the surplus developer level that should produce in the single handle box when toner is low to be alarmed.

In memory unit nonvolatile memory 31, record the horizontal WW% of surplus developer (value WW) that should produce in the single handle box when toner is low to be alarmed.8 bit capacities are enough represented the integer in the 0-100 scope.

In this embodiment, for the rated life time be the high capacity handle box B2 that 6000 handle box B1 commonly used and rated life time is 10000, formula (11) is preceding using, and calculates the surplus developer level in the time of producing the low alarm of toner earlier, and is as follows:

For handle box B1 commonly used:

8％＝5％×1000?0/(6×100)：

For high capacity handle box B2:

5％＝5(％)×10000/(10×100)：

Like this, the surplus developer level 8% that should produce when toner is low to be alarmed is stored in the memory unit 31 in advance, it is on 6000 the handle box B1 commonly used that memory unit 31 is arranged on the rated life time, surplus developer level 5% in the time of should producing the low alarm of toner is stored in the memory unit 31 in advance, and it is on 10000 the high capacity handle box B2 that this memory unit is arranged on the rated life time.

With reference to the process flow diagram of Figure 12, the operating process of the imaging device of this embodiment is described.

Step 151:

Step 152:

Read be recorded in memory unit in relevant information of rated life time, memory unit just is arranged on the nonvolatile memory 31 on the handle box.

Step 153

Utilize following formula (12), calculate the horizontal A% of surplus developer by processing element 60:

A(％)＝X(％)×10000/(Y×100)........(12)

Step 154:

The horizontal A% of the surplus developer that calculates is recorded in the nonvolatile memory 31 (being arranged on the memory unit on the handle box).

Step 155:

Display unit 25 or personal computer monitor demonstrate surplus developer=A%.

Step 156:

The horizontal W of surplus developer should produce the low alarm of toner the time is recorded in the nonvolatile memory 31, and it is arranged on the memory unit on the handle box

Step 157:

The horizontal A% of surplus developer that processing element 60 is calculated with should produce the low alarm of toner the time and the horizontal W% of surplus developer that is stored in the memory unit 31 compare.

If A＞W:

Process turns back to step 151, repeats above-mentioned process when surplus developer changes when surplus developer detection part 20 detects.

A＜W：

Step 158:

As long as surplus developer detection part 20 detects the variation of surplus developer, operation turns back to step 151, repeats above-described operation.Therefore, be equal to or less than the horizontal W% of surplus developer produce the low alarm of toner the time, just produce the low alarm of toner always at surplus developer.

Like this, the surplus developer level that should produce when toner is low to be alarmed is stored in each memory unit 31 in advance, compare between the surplus developer level of storage and the surplus developer level that calculates, the surplus developer level is to go out with relevant information calculations of rated life time in being stored in memory unit 31 according to the detection output valve of surplus developer detection part 20.According to fiducial value, produce alarm in due course for each handle box.The alarm notification user who produces.Notify the user surplus developer level calculation value of this mode and be stored in the memory unit 31 that is contained on the handle box.Like this, even the exchange handle box, the surplus developer level of handle box can be stored.

Selectively, can be stored in the detection output valve of surplus developer detection part 20 in the memory unit 31, detect the surplus developer level of output valve corresponding to should produce the low alarm of toner the time.Similar to embodiment 5, but be 5% o'clock at maximum (100%) developer level of the sensing range of surplus developer detection part 20, produce the low alarm of toner.Value " 5% " is stored in the memory unit 31.Compare by should produce the low alarm of toner time the and the detection output valve that be stored in the surplus developer detection part 20 in the memory unit 31 and the detection output valve of surplus developer detection part 20, can obtain identical good effect.

(embodiment 8)

Figure 13 is the developing apparatus C of one embodiment of the invention, and equipment C is the form of handle box.

The developing apparatus C of this embodiment includes a developer transmissioning part (such as developer roller 5a), a developer reservoir 5A, developer reservoir is used to hold the developer that is fed on the developer conveying element, utilize the developing apparatus framework 11,12 of plastic resin material to form a handle box with them.The developing apparatus C of this embodiment is corresponding with the developing apparatus structure division that embodiment 1 has handle box B, forms a unit, in other words, it with omitted photosensitive drums 1, the handle box B of charging unit 2 and cleaning member 7 is corresponding.Developing apparatus C can be provided with the storer that uses among the embodiment 1-7, and/or the surplus reveal competence computing method of using among the embodiment 1-7, can use the low alarm time method to set up of residue toner amount.

With reference to structure disclosed herein, the present invention is described, describe in detail but be not limited only to these, the present invention is intended to cover the scope of claims or all corrections or the change within the improvement.

Claims

1, a kind of imaging device (A) comprising:

A developer reservoir (4) that is used to comprise developer; Detect the developer level detection part (20) of the developer level in the described developer reservoir (4);

Storer (31);

Calculate the calculating unit (62) of the reveal competence of surplus developer, wherein;

At least described developer reservoir (4) and described storer (31) become a unit (B) that is releasably attached on described imaging device (A) main body, the relevant information of amount of wherein said storer (31) storage and the developer of the unused state that in described developer reservoir (4), comprises, wherein said calculating unit (62) according to by the relevant information of the detected developer level of described developer level detection part, and the information calculations relevant with the amount of the developer of the unused state that comprises in described developer reservoir (4) goes out reveal competence.

2, imaging device as claimed in claim 1 (A) also comprises being used to alarm the alarm components (61) that developer lacks.

3, imaging device as claimed in claim 2 (A), wherein said alarm components (61) produce alarm when the reveal competence that is calculated by described calculating unit (62) is lower than predeterminated level.

4, imaging device as claimed in claim 2 (A), wherein said alarm components (61) is being produced alarm during less than predeterminated level by the detected value of described developer level detection part.

5, imaging device as claimed in claim 1 (A) also comprises the display (25) that is used to show the reveal competence that is calculated by described calculating unit.

6, imaging device as claimed in claim 1 (A) comprises that also the reveal competence that described calculating unit (62) is calculated outputs to the output block (61) of external unit, and this external unit shows this reveal competence.

7, imaging device as claimed in claim 1 (A), wherein relevant with the amount of developer of the unused state that comprises in the described developer reservoir (4) information is relevant with the printing number that can be produced by described unit (B).

8, imaging device as claimed in claim 1 (A), wherein said unit (B) also comprise at least one in described developer level detection part (20) and the described calculating unit (62).

9, imaging device as claimed in claim 1 (A), wherein said unit (B) also comprise carrying and resemble parts (1), developer feeding is given resembled the developing parts (5) of parts (1) in described year and clean in the cleaning member (7) that resembled parts (1) in described year at least one.

10, imaging device as claimed in claim 1 (A) also comprises the display (25) of the reveal competence that a demonstration is calculated by described calculating unit (62).

11, imaging device as claimed in claim 1 (A) also comprises the first module (B) on the main body that is releasably attached to imaging device (A), and wherein said first module (B) is by the developer filling of unused state; Be releasably attached to the Unit second (B) on the main body of described imaging device (A), wherein said Unit second (B) is loaded by the developer greater than the unused state of the developer level that loads in the described first module on value; An and display (25), be used to show the surplus of developer, wherein, when described Unit second (B) when being mounted, the variable quantity of the surplus reveal competence of developer on display (25) that per unit consumes is less than when the variable quantity of described first module (B) when being mounted.

12, a kind of unit (B) that is releasably attached on the imaging device (A) comprising:

Storer (31);

A developer reservoir (4) that is used to comprise developer;

Wherein said storer (31) comprising:

First memory block that is used for the storage information relevant with the amount of the developer of the unused state that comprises at described developer reservoir (4); With

Be used for the storage and second memory block by the relevant information of the surplus of the detected developer of developer level detection part (20).

13, unit as claimed in claim 12 (B), wherein relevant with the amount of the developer of the unused state that comprises in described developer reservoir (4) information is relevant with the printing number that can be produced by described unit (B).

14, unit as claimed in claim 12 (B), wherein said storer (31) also comprises the 3rd memory block of the reveal competence that is used to store surplus developer, and this reveal competence is according to being calculated by the information of the detected surplus developer of developer level detection part (20) and the information relevant with the developer level of the unused state that comprises in described developer reservoir (4).

15, unit as claimed in claim 12 (B), wherein said storer (31) also comprises the 4th memory block that is used to store a predetermined surplus reveal competence.

16, unit as claimed in claim 12 (B), wherein said storer (31) also comprises the 5th memory block that is used for storing predetermined surplus developer information.

17, unit as claimed in claim 12 (B), wherein said unit (B) also comprises calculating unit, be used for according to the surplus reveal competence that goes out the developer in the described developer reservoir (4) by relevant information of the detected surplus developer of surplus detection part (20) and the information calculations relevant with the amount of the developer of the unused state that comprises at described developer reservoir (4).

18, unit as claimed in claim 12 (B) also comprises the surplus detection part (20) of the surplus developer that is used for detecting described developer reservoir (4).

19, unit as claimed in claim 12 (B), wherein said unit (B) comprise that also is used for that control writes described storer (31) with information and the controller (32) of sense information from described storer (31).

20, unit as claimed in claim 12 (B) also comprises carrying resembling parts (1), developer replenishing being resembled at least one parts in the developing parts (5) of parts (1) and the cleaning member (7) that cleaning resembled parts (1) in described year in described year.

21, a kind of demonstration removably installs to the display packing of the surplus developer in the unit (B) on the imaging device (A), comprises the steps:

Detect the surplus developer in the described unit (B);

According to detected surplus developer and the information calculations surplus developer development level relevant with the developer level of the unused state that in described unit (B), comprises;

On display, show the reveal competence that calculates.

22, method as claimed in claim 21, wherein relevant with the amount of the developer of the unused state that comprises in described unit (B) information is relevant with the printing number that can be produced by described unit (B).